Padres GM Hoyer will join Epstein with Cubs

Padres general manager Jed Hoyer will go to Chicago to become Theo Epstein's top executive there once Epstein's trade to the Cubs is finalized, sources said.

Hoyer will become the Cubs GM, with Padres VP Josh Byrnes being elevated to replace Hoyer as GM in San Diego, a possibility first reported by SI.com on Tuesday.

Epstein is expected to be named president once he is officially a Cub. There are hints the Red Sox and Cubs are making progress in compensation talks, but people familiar with the talks say no trade is finalized yet. CSN Chicago reported a deal would likely be consummated today with an announcement likely tomorrow. Epstein's Cubs deal is worth $18.5 million over five years.

Hoyer has always been close to Epstein, and while some may be surprised he'd move to take a lateral job, he goes to a team in a bigger market with bigger expectations. Hoyer and Epstein teamed up to win two World Series titles in Boston. Byrnes, who also had a hand in those championships, was previously GM of the Diamondbacks. He will once again be a GM for owner Jeff Moorad, only this time in San Diego.